Neurodivergent Informed Therapy For Children and Young People at The Retreat Clinics
Therapy Services Following an Autism or ADHD Diagnosis
Going through a neurodiversity assessment process can be a difficult experience in some ways, but can also be insightful and helpful. Many people find that following a diagnosis, psychological therapy can help develop greater understanding of their ADHD, or of themselves as autistic.
Our Children’s and Young People’s therapy services offer a range of approaches which can be adapted to support a neurodivergent client. We can help and support your child with things such as managing sensory differences, communication and social interaction, anxiety and other mental health difficulties, issues around schooling, understanding of neurodivergence and what a diagnosis means to you and your family, and many more things.
What is ‘neurodivergent-informed’ therapy?
Our therapists are experienced in working with children who are autistic and/or who have ADHD. All our therapists will have done some additional training and learning around neurodivergence, and have experience of adapting their core therapy approaches when working with neurodivergent clients. We recognize there is no ‘one size fits all’ – every neurodivergent person is unique, just as every neurotypical person is. There are many different types of therapy available in our service, and all can be adapted to be suitable, depending on preference, age and what you’d like to use therapy for.
‘Neurodivergent-informed’ therapy at The Retreat Clinics
Rather than being a specific type or model of therapy, ‘neurodivergent-informed therapy’ means our therapists hold in mind their knowledge of neurodiversity and how it can impact the child or young person’s experience and their lives, while approaching each client with curiosity and open mindedness, not making assumptions.
Our therapists take time to understand each child’s experiences and needs, so that therapy can be adapted accordingly.
For example, we understand it may be important to;
- ensure that the therapy environment is reliable and predictable, and not distracting or over-stimulating, being careful to avoid sensory overload.
- take time to develop awareness of internal sensations and experience, in order to support a child to enjoy or regulate sensory sensitivities.
- pace the therapy sessions, making sure any goals are realistic for the time we have, and noticing if a longer or shorter session time is more helpful.
- use clear and direct communication, not making assumptions about what is understood by the child, and make any rules clear, so that the child can know where they stand and what to expect.
- understand the high levels of effort and stress there can be around feeling ‘I must fit in’, recognizing and supporting the child with any social pressures, stigma or even discrimination.
- be open and interested in what interests the child, being curious about and acknowledging their particular strengths.
- understand that some mental health issues present differently for neurodivergent people (such as difficulties with eating or obsessive compulsive behaviour), and may need a different approach in treatment.
- provide information and signposting to further resources around autism and ADHD, for you and for your family or friends.
If you would like to know more about how therapy could help you, please get in touch using the details below.